RIHANNA ANTI ALBUM REVIEW

‘ANTI’ is Rihanna eighth studio album released via Roc Nation, she has chosen not to include singles prior to its release on the album such as fourfiveseconds, american oxygen and Bitch better have my money. She has swapped the edm, pop sound for some R&B stoner jams to relax to. Rihanna being the executive producer of this album chose to work with world recognised vocal, record producer and engineer Kuk Harrell and selecting producers such as Jeff Bhasker, Boi-1da, DJ Mustard, Hit-Boy, Brian Kennedy, Timbaland and No I.D. to achieve her desired sound. The album can be seen as a R&B album with a few samples from Alexander O’neal ‘Work’ featuring Drake, ‘same ol’ mistakes’ being a cover version of Tame Impala “New Person, Same Old Mistakes”. “Never Ending” contains interpolations from the composition “Thank You” (2000) performed by Dido, with “Higher” containing elements from “Beside You” (1970) performed by The Soulful Strings , written by Jerry Butler. The mood is resonant of the good story telling days of motown, country & western with Rihanna occasionally blessing listeners with her caribbean accent flavour, sultry sound and talent to keep fans attention.

Tracks expected to create buzz on social media, amongst fans, radio stations and Djs willing to take this new adventure I recommend first single “Work” featuring Drake produced by Boi Da 1 which has the 1985 feel of Alexander’s Oneil’s “if you were here tonight”. “Kiss it better” is a lovely composed song produced by Jeff Bhasker & John Glass has that timeless sound with wide range of musical instrumental sounds. Then there is the intrelude weed dedicated “James Joint”, tracks like “consideration” & “desperado” which could be sounds of the future in terms of bass, synths & arrangement. Then “Woo” with contribution from Travis Scott in production has that current hip hop sound that has been popular since Kanye experimentation with sounds as an artiste & producer. Rihanna smashes some unusual big notes on this track and owns it. The cover of “same ol mistakes” sounds a bit weird being a 2015 song but think this song reflects everything Rihanna is trying to bring across on “Anti” but for over 6 minutes!!!! Well the Dj mustard produced “needed me” you expecting a club banger, well sorry this is a rebellious song with some aggressive lyrics “Didn’t they tell you that I was a savage / Fuck your white horse and a carriage” followed up by melodic chorus. Timbaland blesses with “yeah i said it” sounding like Aaliyah throwback but with a modern feel and keys to remember being played throughout, harmonic melodies and vocal compressed engineered vocals. Worthy mentions to listen to are “never ending” and “sex with me” Riri musical adventure. Check out timeless music like “love on the brain” a personal favourite with that old school sound and arrangement.

This album by Rihanna is an attempt to show how dangerous she can be fighting status quo of pop, be different and enjoy the journey of getting her own way. This could be the sound of the future, she is a young veteran, and she will not allow herself to be categorised, boxed up or stereotyped in the industry. It be wise to enjoy the journey and listen with an open mind, if you are searching for pop, club anthems this will not be your anthem. What songs get popular via radio stations will be heavily determined by innovative djs, her fans and the way the business receives this brave project.